Milford High School students develop leadership and teamwork skills while participating in Santa’s Workshop.
December 20, 2024, marks the 25th anniversary of Santa’s Workshop, a beloved community tradition organized by Milford High School in Milford, Del. This annual event transforms Milford High School into a festive North Pole for one magical day, where FFA members don their pointy shoes, candy-cane stripes and jingle bells to spread holiday cheer.
Santa’s Workshop is a school-wide initiative that invites preschool and kindergarten-aged students to journey through a winter wonderland filled with 12 interactive stations. Each station is uniquely designed to showcase different clubs and pathways within the school, offering a wide range of activities that captivate young minds and introduce them to the diverse talents and creativity of Milford High School students.
The Milford FFA Chapter proudly hosts four of these stations, each aligning with the chapter’s agricultural pathways. Joshua Bethard, the plant science teacher and FFA advisor, leads Frosty’s Flower Shop, where plant science students help children create their own corsages, complete with personalized notes. Mrs. Stump and her food science students add sweetness to the day by guiding kids through the creation of custom confectioneries, allowing them to take home a delicious treat.
At the Toy Shop, Ms. Edwards and her ag structures students run an elf assembly line, giving each child a handmade wooden toy truck, racecar or sailboat, crafted from scratch by Milford’s high school students. The final stop is Ms. Samick’s North Pole Petting Zoo, where members of the Milford FFA show team welcome young visitors to interact with friendly farm animals, fostering a love for agriculture.
FFA Members Zoie Gray and Tabitha Lenhart work in the petting zoo to introduce students to different animal species.
“Santa’s Workshop is a chance for children to step into a real-life wonderland. For some kids, this may be the only taste of Christmas they get. Myself, as well as other FFA members, look forward to making it special for them every year,” said Malleri Preuss, Milford FFA Chapter secretary. Participating in Santa’s Workshop offers high school students, especially FFA members, a unique opportunity to serve the community while developing essential leadership and teamwork skills.
By volunteering their time and talents, Milford FFA members learn the value of service and giving back, principles that are at the core of the National FFA Organization. This event allows them to put their agricultural education into action, showcasing the diverse skills they’ve gained while making a positive impact on young Milfordians.
Ms. Edwards’ ag structures pathway members show off the toys they built.
For Milford FFA members, Santa’s Workshop is more than just a day of festive fun — it’s a chance to connect with others and embody the spirit of the season. This beloved tradition underscores the importance of service, kindness and community involvement, demonstrating how the FFA commitment to leadership extends beyond the classroom. It’s a reminder that the joy of giving and the power of community can make the holidays brighter for everyone.
